The Christian is called to a higher form of charity that transcends the limits of human love. In this chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul describes an “agape” (ἀγάπη) love, which essentially means affectionate or benevolent (i.e., disposition towards goodness, kindness, and generosity). This is a type of love God has demonstrated to the world through his Son Jesus Christ (Jn 3:16). As we have received from God, we love our neighbor with likewise.
As Paul unpacks the various attributes of love, there are some characteristics that cannot be ascribed to love as defined by God. He continues…
Love is not rude. In the Greek, this is reference to behaving “unseemly” (ἀσχημονέω, transliteral word “aschēmoneō”). It is a type of behavior that is unbecoming, improper and inappropriate according to Biblical definition of love of neighbor and decorum. When we are rude, we demonstrate an attitude that lacks gentleness and virtue of being considerate. Such a person fails to hold others in higher esteem than self as commanded by scripture (Phi 2:3).
Love does not insist on its own way. This type of attitude says within itself, “It is all about me.” That is… everything and everyone must orbit around my desires and needs as first priority. Paul emphasis here is simple: love is not selfish.
Love is not irritable. In our human condition, it is impossible to not be annoyed or exasperated with people on occasions. Just spend enough time around the same people, and you will see this emotion rise within. Even the most mature Christians whose life is dominated by a disposition of grace and mercy lose their temper at some point. To be clear, the Bible does make allowance for a righteous anger, which is sometimes necessary. We see this displayed in Jesus in clearing of the temple of the money-making marketplace the religious elites turned it into (Jn 2:13-17). However, we can be angry about what God has anger about, BUT we are commanded not to sin in our thoughts and action as a result (Eph 4:26-27). Anger that is not guided by love leads to being irritable (sin) towards others.
Love is not resentful. Love does not keep a record of wrongs. A Christian does not embrace the mentality the world boast in called, “Keeping Receipts” (itemized list) on people who have wronged us. Instead, The Bible commands us to forgive. A person who walks in this type of love is more forgetful when it comes to remembering injury and injustice a person has inflicted upon us. We hand the matters of judgment and justice over to God to mete out. We imitate God’s love towards us concerning our own sin which piles up to heaven, for God declares over us (because of Jesus), (Heb 8:12), “For I will be merciful towards their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” We are to extend to others likewise.
We are called to love the way God loves. The knowledge and strength we need to do this is to simply look at the cross. As we have received from God, we give. Remember, God’s love is not self-centered, but Christ-centered. Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com